You take your furry best friend to the groomer and he starts to act nervous and wind the leash around your legs. You decide that you d like to stay with your best friend. You become shocked and uneasy when the groomer suggests that staying isn't the best idea. Here's the truth on why we groomers ask that you not stay. Dropping your dog off with a groomer is kinda like dropping your kid off at daycare. They get upset and try to stay in your arms. They cry and make sad face....the truth of the matter is, as soon as you are out of sight, they act happy and fine. Yep, sorry. That's the horrible truth. Your loyal, faithful fluffy little ball of love totally forgets about you after you drop them off. They have a more relaxing time and behave better when they are not striving to get your attention. When you stay, your pet try's to get off the table to get to you. They wiggle and sometimes become vocal to get to your lovin's. This makes grooming them very difficult and actually trains them to not behave during grooming. It also makes the outcome of the groom not as you or your groomer desired. Groomers can't compete with a mothers love, that being said they can love your dog in your place while you are gone. I can promise you that your pet becomes more comfortable after you leave than when you arrived. (at least in my salon!) They enjoy the pampering and the routine that comes with regular grooming. The more relaxed you are when bringing your pet, the more relaxed they are. So if a groomer asks that you not stay during grooming, it's not because they are harming your dog, or don't want the company. It's simply because it is what is best for your pet to have a calm relaxing and fun grooming. (Which is also another reason why I have a shorter appointment time, and not keep your pets in a kennel all day.) The more fun and comfort your friends have, the more they will enjoy grooming. Which will make for a happier healthier pet! Till next time...

Mats are those nasty, knot like bits of fur which develop without proper maintenance grooming (i.e. brushing) which can collect dirt and cause pain as they pull at the dog’s skin.

1. Hold the entire mat in your hand at the base of the mat (closest to your dog’s skin) as you want to make sure you don’t hurt your dog’s skin. By holding the mat in your hand you can make sure that any ‘brush burn’ will happen to your hand and not your dog’s delicate skin. That is, if you apply too much pressure to the brush, or brush too frequently in the same area.

2. Rub a pinch of cornstarch or baby powder into the mat. This is a tried and true home remedy and is very effective as a de-matting aid! (But Shh! It's a grooming secret!)

3. Use a Mat-breaker to split the mat. They come in many fancy combs with many fancy names, the gist is it’s a comb with hook type ends that are razor blades and help break the mat up. Use the Mat-breaker to break the mat into two or three smaller pieces. Stop there, though, you don’t want to make a hole in the coat or your dog!

4. Use a slicker brush to break up the mat. A slicker brush has wire bristles that are slightly bent at the ends. Never let the bristles touch your dog’s skin. To avoid this, be sure to brush the mat as you hold it in your hand.

5. Brush the entire area with a pin brush. These are dog/cat grooming brushes that look sort of like normal human hair brushes. Here is where you can let go of where the mat was as at this point it should be about gone.

6. Finally, comb the area with a steel comb. Start with the wide toothed side and finish with the small toothed side.

If your dog is not amenable to this process, or if the mats are too close to the skin, you may need to have your professional groomer shave him down. You’ll be doing the right thing for your best friend, as dematting large areas of matting can be potentially painful for the dog. Not to be crude but think of the most sensitive area on your body. Go ahead...now imagine it matted, right?!?!? OW!! Now worse, imagine someone picking and prodding and pulling the hair in this super sensitive area...There is no way in H-E double hockey sticks you'd sit still and just take it. Your dog’s skin is that sensitive EVERYWHERE!! In six weeks the coat will grow back quite a bit and be nice and fluffy again. You can ask your groomer to be creative with the shave down. Trust me, your dog’s health and sanity is worth more than a little vanity. ;) Hope this helps! Till next time...

For most pups, grooming every 4-6 weeks is imperative to avoid painful matting, spot checks for fleas or ticks, prevention of ear infections, and identification of any abnormal growths.Frequently brushing your dog removes dirt and helps distribute skin oils, creating a shiny coat. Proper grooming also allows you to see the condition of your dog's skin and to notice the early stages of flea or tick infestations and skin irritation.

Going over the dog thoroughly with a brush or comb that reaches the skin. A dog with a short coat may require the gentle touch of a rubber comb, while a dog with a thick undercoat will need a slicker brush. It is important that the brush or comb reach the skin to bring loose hair and dirt to the surface.

Repeating the brushing with a finishing tool. This may be a natural-bristle brush, a cloth or your hand. The goal is to remove the loose hair and dirt that the first brush brought to the surface and to distribute the natural oils in the skin.

Checking the dog's ears. If you notice dirt or buildup in the ears, dampen a cotton ball with an ear cleaning product recommended by your veterinarian, then wipe the ears gently. Don't stick your finger or a cotton swab into the ear canal. If you are concerned about debris farther back in the ear, ask your veterinarian to clean the dog's ears. Healthy ears should be pale in color, cool to the touch and free of odor.

Keeping teeth clean. Daily brushing is ideal, but even a twice-weekly schedule will help maintain oral health. Brush the teeth with a regular toothbrush, one specifically designed for dogs. Use one of the many toothpastes available for dogs. Many come in flavors dogs love, such as chicken or beef, so it is unlikely that your pup will spit the toothpaste out. Remember not to use toothpaste for people because, if swallowed, it can lead to stomach upset in dogs.

Trimming the nails regularly. Ask your veterinarian or groomer to instruct you on how to trim nails before trying it at home. Spend plenty of time getting your dog accustomed to having his feet and legs handled, and the trimming will go much easier. Guillotine-style nail clippers are simple to use. Hold the foot gently and position the clipper so that you will cut the nail just below the point where the curve of the nail begins. With a simple snip, you are ready to move to the next nail. If you cut the nail too short, it is possible to reach the quick, a small vein that carries blood to the nail. Have a styptic stick handy to stop the bleeding if you hit the quick.

Dogs can have so many hair types, so it's no surprise that there are so many types of dog brushes available. Choose a brush or comb that best suits your dog's hair. Your dog may benefit from more that one type of bruh or comb.

Bristle Brushes work well for most hair types. Bristle types vary from soft to firm and from long to short.

Wire Pin Brushes are best for dogs with medium to long hair.

Slicker Brushes are used to break up tangles and mats in medium to long-haired dogs.

Rakes and Matbreakers work best on more severe tangles and mats.

Shedding Tools have special teeth that remove excess hair from double-coated breeds and reduce shedding.

Nail Trims can be stressful for dogs and owners alike. Knowledge of proper techniques and use of the right tools can help ease the process.

Claw-style Trimmers are spring-loaded and cut the nail in a scissor-like fashion.

Guillotine Trimmers have a replaceable blade that cuts the nail when the spring-loaded handle is depressed.

Scissor-like Trimmers do not have springs and work best on dogs with small, delicate nails.

Styptic Powder, such as Kwik-stop, can be used to stop bleeding if you accidentally cut a nail too short.

Filing Tools grind down the nails gradually and result in a smooth edge-nail. Basic emery boards can be used on small, delicate nails. Power rotary tools work on all nail types.

I hope these tips and tricks of the trade will help you and your pet start a great home grooming maintenance schedule and relationship! Until next time...

Bethany

I've been a groomer for almost 15 years. After working for big corporations and veterinary hospitals I have found the peace of working for myself and at home. Here are some of the things that happen, and tips on how to care for your pet.